Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Sinn Féin proposes expanded scope for equality protections

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Justice, Equality and Human Rights, Aengus Ó
Snodaigh TD, has tabled amendments to the Equality Bill 2004 to widen
the range of categories of people protected against discrimination by the
state's equality legislation. Speaking in advance of the Dail debate on 01
July Deputy Ó Snodaigh said:

"The effect of these amendments will be to ensure that people in this state
can no longer be discriminated against on the basis of their socio-economic
status, political opinion, trade union membership or because they
have a criminal record. These proposals are in keeping with Equality
Authority recommendations that the Minister for Inequality has so far
refused to adopt.

"We will also be seeking to amend the definition of 'marital status' to give
equal recognition to the rights of unmarried heterosexual or same sex
couples.

"In contrast with the Minister I am firmly of the belief that inequality is
harmful, deprives society of the full potential contributions of those who
face discrimination, and that its eradication will free up significant
social resources to the benefit of both the individuals and society as a
whole."

"If adopted these amendments could have a real, positive impact
particularly on the daily experience of working class people in this
state, and represent a major step forward for increasing social inclusion."

Sinn Féin has tabled twenty amendments to the Equality Bill 2004, which
give expression to concerns raised by the Equality Authority, the
Human Rights Commission, and the Equality Coalition representing more than
60 groups. ENDS